Mabel is a hand-built multi-pattern condenser microphone utilizing two cardioid medium-large diaphragm (26mm) capsules, designed primarily for capturing demanding sources like acoustic instruments, drum overheads, and vocals. Recognized as “Microphones of Distinction”, and, in my opinion, I would say that Ear Trumpet Lab Microphones have a sought after sound and durability that outlast other microphones in their price ranges yet have no equal in their class.

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Mabel features a unique copper-ringed head basket with brass grill work, held in a pivoting mount within a stainless-steel yoke, and a copper-and-brass body. The design is both visually stunning and extremely practical, as the pivoting head makes for easy positioning adjustments.

The capsules are a pair of fixed-cardioid electret condensers, individually tested and selected to match each other and strict design criteria. The circuit is a transformer-less FET with fully balanced output, incorporating thorough EMI protection.

Other electrical components in the signal path are of the highest quality: metal film resistors, polypropylene and polystyrene capacitors, and individually tested, hand-matched and biased transistors and JFETs. Internal Sorbothane shock and vibration damping helps to minimize vibration noise.

The dual-cardioid-capsule design is an uncommon approach to a multi-pattern microphone. It has advantages in an especially deep null at the sides of the figure 8 pattern and greater control over the directional frequency response across all the patterns. The circuit includes high frequency EQ tuned to the capsules, providing a very smooth high end.

Founded in Portland, Oregon in 2011, Ear Trumpet Labs is a craft builder of unique microphones for adventurous musicians and recordists. Combining technical expertise, the highest-grade hand-selected electrical components, and a sculptural craft aesthetic, the company is committed to bringing the best of visual and sonic creativity to musicians around the world.